We are four weeks into the 2023 season and there are already a handful of teams we can expect to be sellers at the trade deadline. With injuries to key players across the league, here are five big names that could be moved this season.
- Danielle Hunter, Minnesota Vikings
After a spectacular 2022 season that saw the Vikings go 13-4, with 11 of those wins by one score, most expected Minnesota to take a large step back in 2023. It has been three weeks and the Vikings are one loss away from having the same amount of losses as they did in all of last season. For years, Hunter has been the center of trade talks near the deadline and it is finally the year for those talks to come to fruition.
- Justin Fields, Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears traded up in the 2021 NFL draft to secure who they thought would be their first franchise quarterback in years. While Fields showed flashes of stardom as a runner in 2022, he has yet to develop as a passer in order to be considered elite. His struggles as a passer have continued in 2023 and the Bears find themselves winless to start the season. With frustration and disconnect between Fields and the coaching staff, expect Chicago to field offers for the young quarterback.
- Brian Burns, Carolina Panthers
In 2022, the Los Angeles Rams offered two first round picks for Carolina Panthers star linebacker Brian Burns. The Panthers declined the trade because they felt Burns would be a key piece of their team going forward. So far in 2023, the Panthers find themselves as one of four teams who have yet to win a game this season. Since the Panthers dealt away their first round pick in this upcoming draft for quarterback Bryce Young, the Panthers will look to trade players for picks. With Burns on a large contract and being the player who will draw the most attention from teams, expect the star linebacker to be traded at the deadline.
- Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders
Former Packers star wide receiver Davante Adams was reunited with his Fresno State teammate Derek Carr after he was acquired in a trade to the Las Vegas Raiders. After one disappointing season in Las Vegas, the Raiders released Carr and signed veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. The Raiders find themselves with a 1-2 record and a talentless roster. With the Raiders struggles expected to continue, Adams will try and force his way out.
- Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings
Similarly to his teammate Danielle Hunter, Kirk Cousins has been in trade rumors for multiple years now. Cousins is a good but not great quarterback as he has yet to take a team on a deep playoff run so far in his career. In 2023, Cousins has been stellar yet the Vikings find themselves without a win. With Cousins on an expiring contract, you would assume the Vikings will try and trade him to get assets in return instead of letting him walk for nothing. If the Vikings decide to move him this season expect interest from teams like the Jets, Falcons and Commanders.
